What Canada Day Means to Me by Andrew Lawton, M.P. Elgin-St. Thomas- London South
Canada Day sits differently for me as a member of Parliament. It’s still a time for celebration, but also a commitment to uphold the values that make Canada the greatest country on earth. For 159 years, Canada has stood as one of the freest, safest, and most prosperous nations on earth. This hasn’t been by accident. Generations of resilient, proud Canadians have embraced the liberty and opportunity this country offers to forge this beautiful place we call home. Canada has always been an unlikely success story. Early European settlers from France and later England would never have survived the cruel winters and harsh terrain without their Indigenous allies whose knowledge and stewardship of the land has transcended the years. Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles celebrates their 3rd anniversary July 27th! Confederation held together a fractious coalition of Maritimers, French Canadians, and Ontarians who had as many differences as similarities. Elgin played a key role in this national story. Colonel Thomas Talbot’s settlement amid dense forest and fertile shoreline birthed a transformation that became the thriving region we know today. Canada has persisted. Generations of traders, farmers, la- bourers, entrepreneurs, soldiers, and immigrants have taken this vast space and turned it into a confident, flourishing country. Canada has succeeded because we Canadians continue to punch above our weight. Because we strive. Because opportunity is a core Canadian value. pieces mostly from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some pieces from the 60s and the 2000s as well. Whether you were into WWF wrestling, Strawberry Shortcake, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Star Wars, or GI Joe, Dark Matter has something to help you scratch that nostalgic itch. “It’s a place of joy and happiness and awesomeness!” says owner Craig Lawrence enthusiastically. Craig is a big kid at heart, and his passion for bringing childhood memories back for his customers shows in everything he does. “I love bringing joy to my customers,” he says. “Helping them to relieve experiences, hearing their stories – that’s why I do this.” Craig is also a big believer in giving back to his community, and he strives to be engaged in the community in as many ways as possible, whether it’s through participation in Free Comic Book Day or by creating an eye-catching float for the Santa Claus Parade each year. Through hardship, war, economic uncertainty, and moments of national triumph, Canadians have shown remarkable strength and a strong belief in what this country could become. Patriotism does not mean pretending we’ve never stumbled. For Craig, it’s not the monetary value of a piece that is the most important thing. “I’m happy to see odd things come in,” he says. “Something doesn’t have to be valuable to be awesome!” Craig is always looking for items to buy for the store as well, so if you have some vintage toys or collectibles collecting dust in your basement, bring them in. “Everyone’s welcome,” says Craig. “I love this town and I hope they support me like I support them.” Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is located at 127 Ross Street.
It means believing our country is worth defending and preserving. Early leaders understood that decisions affecting Canadians should be made by Canadians. The ability to make choices about our lives, our communities, and our future is central to our national identity and our sovereignty. Canada continues to shine as a beacon of hope and opportunity around the world. People come here seeking freedom, safety, and the chance to build a better life for their families. That enduring promise is worth celebrating and protecting. Our sovereignty and freedoms cannot be taken for granted. As a member of Parliament, I strive every day to actively protect, defend, and preserve them. This is something all Canadians can do. On July 1, let’s raise the flag proudly. We can honour our past, safeguard our present, and build a stronger future to ensure Canada remains sovereign, strong, and free for generations to come. That’s worth celebrating – happy Canada Day!
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HAPPY CANADA DAY
STPS.ON.CA | 519-631-1224 45 CASO CROSSING, ST. THOMAS
SUNDAY JULY 3, 2022 3pm 55 Walnut Street Please join Mayor Joe Preston, the city council, Elgin County Municipal Mayors and councils, The Elgin Regiment, members of the Court, the Police Department and Fire and Rescue as we reflect on our past, and anticipate our future. Please join our Mayor and city and County Council members, religious leaders of all faiths, Police and Fire departments as we reflect on our past, and ponder our future. Guest speaker: MP Karen Vecchio Guest Speaker David Goodwin SUNDAY JULY 7, 2024 3pm 55 Walnut Street SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2026 3pm 55 Walnut Street
HAPPY Canada AndrewLawtonMP.ca 519-637-4130 Andrew.Lawton@parl.gc.ca DAY
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FOUNDERS DAY CIVIC SERVICE AT The Old St. Thomas Church
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